Modular Lifting Floor for Rapid Emergency Aquatic Rescue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting platforms for large bodies of water are unable to rapidly lift substantial loads to the surface, particularly in emergency situations involving large aquatic mammals in large enclosed pools.
Innovation Solution
A modular lifting floor system comprising float modules with buoyancy compartments and a discharge apparatus for low-density fluid, allowing rapid ascent to the water surface, with flexible joints connecting modules and edge modules custom-shaped to fit pool perimeters, and a stabilizer apparatus for control and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional lifting platform is used, then the structure can support large loads, but the lifting speed is too slow for emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting floor is divided into multiple modular float modules (at least 10 modules) that can be independently controlled. Each module has its own buoyancy compartment and can be inflated independently, allowing the system to lift large loads rapidly by distributing the lifting action across multiple segments rather than relying on a single slow-lifting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the buoyancy parameter of the float modules by injecting low-density fluid (such as air or foam) into the buoyancy compartments. This parameter change enables rapid transition from a submerged state to a floating state, achieving fast lifting speed while maintaining the ability to support substantial loads.
2Loss of time
If the lifting floor is raised rapidly to the surface, then emergency response time is reduced, but control and stability during ascent may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the lifting floor into multiple independently controllable modules, the system can control the ascent of different sections separately. This segmentation allows for balanced lifting and maintains stability during rapid ascent, preventing tilting or uncontrolled movement while still achieving fast emergency response.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors the position and status of each float module during ascent and adjusts the inflation rate accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that modules are inflated in a controlled sequence, maintaining stability and preventing uncontrolled rapid ascent that could compromise safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular float modules are used with flexible joints, then the system can accommodate various pool shapes and depths, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting floor is constructed from standardized modular float modules that can be assembled in different configurations to fit various pool shapes and depths. While segmentation enables versatility, the use of standardized modules and flexible joints actually reduces overall complexity compared to custom-built solutions for each pool configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The float modules are designed as universal components that can be used in different pool configurations and applications. Each module serves multiple functions: providing buoyancy, supporting load, and connecting to adjacent modules. This universality reduces the need for specialized components for different pool shapes, thereby managing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the rapid lifting of large loads, such as killer whales, to within 30 inches of the surface in under 60 seconds, ensuring safety and stability during emergency conditions while accommodating various pool shapes and depths.
Implementation Method 1
each float module having a hull with downwardly extending side walls, a top wall, a bottom and a buoyancy compartment... at least one container disposed in each float module for retaining a buoyancy fluid having a density less than that of water... discharge apparatus for discharging buoyancy fluid from each container, so as to fill the buoyancy compartment of some or all of the float modules with buoyancy fluid, thereby causing the plurality of modules to float
Data Source
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AI summary
A lifting platform for use in a body of water has (a) a plurality of float modules, each float module having a buoyancy compartment, and each float module being attached to adjacent float modules by means of flexible joints; (b) at least one container disposed in each float module for retaining a buoyancy fluid; and (c) a discharge apparatus for discharging buoyancy fluid to the buoyancy compartments of the float modules, so as to fill each buoyancy compartment with buoyancy fluid, thereby causing the plurality of modules to float to a position at or near the surface of the body of water.